Chic, that is really true about guys working for peanuts. I remember talking to a young smith at the ACGG show, told him I wast rying to learn how to do some stuff. I don't plan on getting into it for a profession, not any time in the next decade or two, but want to get THAT GOOD. Anyways, what he said was that new guys gettinginto it charge less than they should, and not only hurt themselves by not working for enough to cover all those things like you mentioned, but they hurt the trade as a whole. By working for less clients out there get the idea that the gunsmiths that do it for a living and charge enough to do more than break even are charging too much.

Red

From what I've seen of his work here, I hope it's a nice new RED < !--color--> Ferrari.

Can you get a Ferrari in four wheel drive and 3/4 ton?

I guess I do not charge enough money to do gunsmithing work.
Personally, I charge $89.50 for a bead-blasted finish and $99.50 if it has heavy pitting.
I cannot leave guns overnight anymore in my shop, so I guess as an 'inconvenience' all work is done same day.

Listen, $150 for a job that takes 1-2 weeks, you are getting ripped.

-Spencer

I have used Glenrock Blue [see link above] for a half-dozen rifles over the years. I think their work is first rate. The use a 10-12 tank system [something like that]. They are conscientious; their prices are reasonable and turn around is usually only four to six weeks. I have also heard that Jim Baiar [Half Moon Barrel Company, near Kalispell, MT (406) 892-4409] does very fine blueing. However, I prefer to use Jim for barrel making. His cut-rifled barrels are one of the best kept secrets out there.


JOrdan